A group of researchers from Bacha Khan University in Pakistan and other institutions investigated a type of plant protein called MYB transcription factors (MYB TFs) to see if they could improve crop yields under stressful conditions like heat, salt, and drought. Their findings are published in GM Crops & Food.
The researchers analyzed the MYB TFs from rice (OsMYB) and compared them to other plants. Similar structures and functions were found in several groups, and the parts of the MYB TFs involved in controlling responses to stress were identified. They transformed OsMYB TF into tobacco plants using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to verify the function of OsMYB. When the transformed plants were exposed to stressful conditions, they exhibited improved resistance to the stressors.
The findings contribute vital information necessary for developing more resilient crops through genetic engineering or gene editing.
(Source: Crop Biotech Update, International Service for Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications. www.isaaa.org)
